Page 78 of All Along

Maya

Istand in the parking lot ofFive Fathoms Brewingwith Nova, Paisley, Sophia, and Chloe as we watch the representatives fromGourmet Cornerdrive away.

When they turn the corner and are out of sight, Sophia squeals. “Thank the mermaids in the sea!”

Chloe and her join hands and bounce up and down in the parking lot while giggling.

Nova sighs. “I’d join them but I’m too exhausted for jumping.”

“Being a parent of an infant is difficult but you’ll miss these days when they’re gone,” Paisley says.

Nova’s smile is wistful. “You’re probably right.”

“We are going out to celebrate!” Sophia declares.

“There’s nothing to celebrate yet,” I caution. “We haven’t madeany sales yet.”

“But we will,” Nova says. “With our beer in every single store ofGourmet Corner– not just the East Coast – we will be making tons of sales.”

“And I shall be brewing more beer,” Paisley says. “We need to discuss expanding our brewing capabilities.”

Chloe rolls her eyes. “Of course, Paisley is going to use this as an opportunity to get more brewing stuff.”

“Brewing stuff?” Paisley pushes her glasses up her nose. “You do realize this business is a brewery?”

“Let’s discuss this atRumrunner.” Sophia rubs her hands together. “I’m in the mood for a moonshine celebration.”

I groan. Sophia in the mood for moonshine equals a hangover each and every time.

Chloe circles her hand in the air. “Get your shit, mermaids. It’s time to par-tay!”

While they hustle upstairs to the offices, I phone Caleb.

“Hey, Caleb. Just wanted to let you know I’m going out with my girlfriends tonight.”

He chuckles. “I’ll alert the police.”

“We’re notthatbad.”

“Do I need to remind you of the time you pranked the principal and ended up locked in her office in a chicken suit?”

“It wasn’t a chicken suit. I was an otter.”

“Yes, we should concentrate on the costume you were wearing when you got caught.”

“Whatever.”

“Call me when you need me to pick you up.”

“I can find a ride home.”

He grunts. “Call me when you need me to come pick you up.”

“Fine, soldier boy. I’ll call you.”

“Have fun. Love you.” He hangs up before I have the chance to say the same. And here I was worried about love bombing him. Turns out Caleb is the expert at love bombing.

Sophia rushes out of the brewery with Chloe hot on her heels. “Come on. Let’s go.”

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